The Super Bowl is now one of the most anticipated sports events in the world, but everything has a beginning. The first Super Bowl, played on January 15, 1967, was a humble start to what would grow into a global spectacle.
It was officially called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game and symbolized the rivalry between the two leagues before their merger.
This article will guide you through the key details about the first Super Bowl: its players, the game’s location, and why it still matters today.
When Was the First Super Bowl?
The first Super Bowl took place on January 15, 1967. It was the final game of the 1966 season, played to decide the champion between the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL). The name “Super Bowl” wasn’t used at first. It became the official name with Super Bowl III, and the first two games were renamed later.
Where Was the First Super Bowl Played?
The game was held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in California. Despite its significance, attendance fell short of expectations, with just over 61,000 fans in a stadium designed to hold 90,000. This makes it the only Super Bowl in history that didn’t sell out. Tickets were priced at up to $12, which was considered expensive at the time.
Who Played in the First Super Bowl?
Two teams competed for the title:
- Green Bay Packers (NFL Champions): Coached by Vince Lombardi, they were the favorites due to their reputation as a dominant team.
- Kansas City Chiefs (AFL Champions): Coached by Hank Stram, they represented the AFL with determination and pride.
Both teams were champions of their respective leagues, which made this game more than just a competition. It was a clash to establish league supremacy.
Who Won the First Super Bowl?
The Green Bay Packers emerged victorious, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs with a score of 35-10. Quarterback Bart Starr led the Packers with an impressive performance, completing 16 of 23 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns. His leadership earned him the game’s first-ever Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
The game was competitive in the first half, with the Packers leading 14-10 at halftime. However, they dominated the second half, scoring three more touchdowns while shutting out the Chiefs.
What Was the First Super Bowl Halftime Show?
The halftime show was simple compared to today’s extravagant performances. It featured university marching bands from Arizona and Grambling College, along with trumpeter Al Hirt. The focus at the time was more on the game itself, rather than the entertainment during breaks.
How Much Were Tickets to the First Super Bowl?
Tickets cost between $6 and $12, which was pricey for the 1960s. Many fans considered it too expensive, leading to thousands of empty seats. Today, tickets for the Super Bowl can cost thousands of dollars, highlighting how far the event has come in popularity.
Why Is the First Super Bowl Important?
The first Super Bowl wasn’t just a game. It was a turning point for professional football. It showcased the potential of the sport to unite fans and create a national spectacle. It also laid the foundation for the eventual merger of the NFL and AFL in 1970, creating the modern NFL as we know it today.
Keep exploring: every winner, score and MVP since this game is on our Super Bowl winners list, and every MVP from Bart Starr onward is on the Super Bowl MVP winners page. Super Bowl LXI returns to the Los Angeles area on February 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium.
First Super Bowl FAQ
When was the first Super Bowl held?
January 15, 1967, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. It was officially called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game.
Who won the first Super Bowl?
The Green Bay Packers beat the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10. Quarterback Bart Starr was named the game’s first MVP.
How much were tickets to the first Super Bowl?
Between $6 and $12. Even at those prices the game did not sell out, with just over 61,000 fans in a 90,000-seat stadium.
Was the first Super Bowl on TV?
Yes. It is the only Super Bowl ever shown on two networks at once, CBS and NBC.
Who coached the teams in the first Super Bowl?
Vince Lombardi coached the Green Bay Packers and Hank Stram coached the Kansas City Chiefs.
Who performed at the first Super Bowl halftime show?
The University of Arizona and Grambling College marching bands, with trumpeter Al Hirt.
When is the next Super Bowl?
Super Bowl LXI is on Sunday, February 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, back in the Los Angeles area where it all began.
The first Super Bowl was a modest beginning to what is now a grand annual tradition. From the Green Bay Packers’ victory to the halftime marching bands, it showed the potential of professional football to become something much bigger.
Today, the Super Bowl is more than just a game. It’s a celebration of sports, entertainment, and culture.
